Alex Crooks, Author at Thumb Culture

9Dec

By Alex CrooksNo Comments

Currently Playing: Forbidden Siren

I've been on a real horror kick recently, from books to films and especially games. When I (finally) realised that Forbidden Siren was available from the Playstation Plus catalogue and I've been slowly making my way through the game ever since. The game came out in 2003 so I feel like I don't need to put a spoiler warning... but I'm going to just in case! How difficult can a game from 2003 really be? Apparently, really really hard! I very very vaguely remembered playing Forbidden Siren a long time ago when it was at its height of release. Back then it was too scary for me and I hadn't turned into a horror fan so getting the chance to revisit was super exciting. I couldn't really remember anything about this game aside from its super odd graphics where the faces kind of morph between what...

9Dec

By Alex CrooksNo Comments

PlayStation Reviews

Among Ashes – PS5 Review

In a world of horror big hitters like Resident Evil and Silent Hill, it can be hard to come up with something that reinvents the genre in a way that is successful and even more terrifying than the bigger players in the game. Rat Cliff Games decided that it was time to take the reins with their new first-person horror Among Ashes. When I saw the first trailer for Among Ashes, I initially skipped it. Not because it didn't interest me but because I knew a demo wouldn't be enough. The trailer alone had me instantly hooked and I couldn't wait to get my hands on it. Safe to say this game did not disappoint and is easily one of the best games I've played in 2024. You can grab Among Ashes on Steam and PlayStation now! Just keep playing? Easier said than done! Gameplay Uncover the true horr...

26Nov

By Alex CrooksNo Comments

PC Reviews

Aquatic Store Simulator – PC Review

Step into the vibrant world of sealife in Aquatic Store Simulator from Freemind. Making moves away from your standard shopping simulator, you can now start your own aquatic store. Choose what sort of plant life, decorations and fish you can sell to your customers as well as make the space your own in true shopping sim fashion. You can check out Aquatic Store Simulator on Steam - it's currently available for £7.49 (at time of writing) Out of all the fish in the tank, I chose you Gameplay Your first day in your brand-new aquatic store starts with a mess. To introduce you to the basic controls, Aquatic Store Simulator helps you tidy up your shop space. The controls, whilst pretty similar to other simulation games, felt a little awkward at times mainly because you had to hold down the ...

Women-Led Games and Latin American Games Showcase Announce TGA Showcases

18Nov

By Alex CrooksNo Comments

News & Updates

Women-Led Games and Latin American Games Showcase Announce TGA Showcases

Women-Led Games and the Latin American Games Showcase are excited to announce two showcases at The Game Awards this December, both dedicated to celebrating diversity and representation in gaming. Sponsored by Nani Talent, the Women-Led Games Showcase will present 25 games led by women in the gaming industry. The Latin American Games Showcase (LAGS), presented by Annapurna, Raw Fury, and ID@Xbox, and sponsored by Fellow Traveler, PANIC, Popagenda and Tlön, is set to celebrate and elevate the talent and innovation from Latin American developers. Each showcase will include exclusive announcements, gameplay reveals, and a spotlight on diverse, creative voices from around the world. Where can you watch the two showcases? Latin American Games Showcase at The Game Awards When: Tuesday, ...

17Nov

By Alex CrooksNo Comments

News & Updates

Temtem: Swarm Launched in Early Access

The long-awaited moment has arrived! Temtem: Swarm is now available in Early Access on Steam for PC and Steam Deck. The exciting spin-off of the popular Temtem creature-collecting game offers a fast-paced, cooperative bullet-heaven experience that will test your skills and reflexes. Team up with friends to face relentless swarms of enemies, evolve into powerful Temtem, and conquer challenging boss battles. Survive on your own or with friends! The Temtem: Swarm early access will be both single and multiplayer with seven playable Temtems. Each of them have their own unique skills that you can master over five different maps and areas. There's 77 total techniques, 37 gears as well as 10 mini-bosses and 5 final bosses which each have their own unique move set. Since its initial announcement, ...

Aloft Launches into Early Access in January

17Nov

By Alex CrooksNo Comments

News & Updates

Aloft Launches into Early Access in January

Publisher Funcom and developer Astrolabe Interactive Inc. are proud to announce that Aloft, will embark into Early Access on January 15, 2025. As one of the most played demos in Steam’s Next Fest in June, and with over 300,000 wishlists, Aloft is poised to soar. Transform any floating island into your personal skyship in the upcoming co-op survival game Aloft's solid foundation is a huge and wind-shaped world in which you can transform any floating island you want into your personal skyship, outfitting it with everything it needs to harness the winds. Reaching new heights and new islands You can enjoy the zen of building and crafting and the satisfaction of cleansing corruption. Alternatively, you can also experience the thrill of exploring serene and stormy skies whilst uncoveri...

Resident Evil 2 Reawakens for Apple Devices

16Nov

By Alex CrooksNo Comments

News & Updates

Resident Evil 2 Reawakens for Apple Devices

Resident Evil 2 returns on December 10, 2024 for Apple’s latest devices. The highly acclaimed remake of the survival horror classic is coming to all iPhone 16 models, iPhone 15 Pro models, and every iPad and Mac with the M1 chip or later. A fresh take on one of horror's favourite entries A hands-on take of horror Players are invited to try a portion of the gripping story with a free download before purchasing the full experience. Resident Evil 2 includes support for Universal Purchase and cross-progression. Enjoy Leon and Claire’s journey through Raccoon City across iPhone, iPad, and Mac and transfer save data between devices. Resident Evil 2 includes enhanced controls along with a new Auto Fire feature, allowing automatic firing after aiming at enemies. The title also supports a r...

12Nov

By Alex CrooksNo Comments

PC Reviews

Red Dead Redemption – PC Review

It's time to get back in the saddle and take up John Marston's reins. Red Dead Redemption has finally made its way to PC. Rockstar's second adventure in the wild west initially released in May 2010 for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 and received critical acclaim. Undead Nightmare was released a few months later as an expansion on the original story which featured John Marston fighting against the hoards of undead as they tried to take over the West and Mexico. Controversially, I loved the first Red Dead Redemption more than its sequel. It had me gripped from the start and had one of the best online multiplayer systems ever, the online in the second game doesn't even come close. Add in Undead Nightmare - probably one of the best DLCs of all time, if you ask me - and it was an all round p...

12Nov

By Alex CrooksNo Comments

Hardware & Tech

Fantech World Aria II Pro Mouse Review

Since the launch of Fantech's Aria mouse, it has been wildly praised for being an amazing option for esports gaming. Now, Fantech has decided to introduce the Aria II, an updated and improved version of their beloved mouse. Available in a standard and pro version, we were lucky enough to get our hands on it early to put it to the test so we can tell you whether it's worth investing in. With the standard mouse on sale for ~£37, the Aria II is a high end mouse for a pretty low price point. Is the price point the best thing about it though, or will its connectivity make it stand out in the crowd? The next step in e-sports wireless gaming mice Design The new Fantech World Aria II mouse comes in three colours. You can choose from black, red and white. I received the black Aria II and ho...

8Nov

By Alex CrooksNo Comments

Switch Reviews

Garden Of The Sea – Switch Review

Craft, explore and farm in Neat Corporations new cozy simulation game Garden Of The Sea. Originally released for VR, the team have made the game available on Steam and Nintendo Switch to open up to a wider host of players. Now you can also have fun exploring the man islands surrounding your new home! Time to make this island a home! Have you played Garden of the Sea? Or are you a fan of cozy sim games? Either way let us know in the comments what you think! Gameplay Garden of the Sea introduces you to a small island that you now call home. There is a very simple tutorial that teaches you how to grow plants and use the basic tools available to you and then it leaves you to figure everything out. From planting crops to befriending wildlife, there is plenty for players to do as they ta...